„Not really… I uh…“ Merrick fumbled for the right words, „I don’t use any of the items Adam uses to hunt fish – rods or nets. I’m more adept at using a trid- spear, I mean…“ He said.

„I see…“ Luther said. Nice boy, but a bit of an enigma.

The blonde stood awkwardly as he has no idea what to say next. This man is very inquisitive, and he does not have

any answers that feel right to use.

„So um… Adam says you grew up in a Nudist Community? What’s that like?“

„Er…“ Merrick winced, as once again, has no viable answer, „Well… It’s been a long time since I last been where I’m from…“

„Ah, I see…“

„… I’m sorry…“ Merrick said as he looked to the side, „My life is… Complicated.“

„I hear ya… Sort of…“ Luther said.

„I… I think I’ll just walk to the pier and wander…“ Merrick said as he turned and went to Adam’s room to get dressed.

„Ok then… Maybe I’ll meet up with you later when Donna comes back?“

„Umm… Sure…“ Merrick said casually as he walked away. Luther sighed as he scratched the back of his head.

„Strange kid…“ He mumbled.

~~~

Do

nna stretches as she feels the sunlight in her sweats. Just before she inserts her headphones into her ears, her eyes glance to the side. Over by the old cliff, is Merrick, sitting on the edge – wearing just some boxers, from the looks of it.

Curious, she jogged on over to him, and walked up behind him, „Not thinking of jumping, are you?“ She asked. Merrick turned around, and looked up at her. The way his eyes looked… He looks as if he was expecting her.

„No…“ He said as he turned back to the sea, „Just… Remembering, I guess…“

rick put his hand on the back of his neck, „It’s…“ He paused for a moment, „It’s more of a grim reminder to me. Thanks though.“ He said as he lowered his hand.

„Oh, I see…“ The woman couldn’t help but notice a sense of melancholy from the blonde man. His voice carries a hint of longing as he gazes over the ocean, „Something on your mind?“

„A lot, really…“ He responded.

„Need to talk? I’m a psychologist.“ Donna offered.

„What does that mean?“ Merrick asked, his voice giving off just a hint of subtle aggression, as if he doesn’t really want to talk.

„It’s someone who is trained to talk to people about their problems. Talk them through their troubles, make them feel better.“

„Maybe, but chances are…“ Merrick said, „You won’t understand me

…“

„Well, maybe not, but it helps to talk at least. I can’t tell you how many of my patients have told me that.“

„That just means they’re trying to cope with their pain. Would bringing it up REALLY help with dealing with it.“

„That’s exactly what psychologists are for,“ Donna said as she sat down next to the young male, „It’s not always easy, but talking people through there problems and resolving their conflicts is what we specialize,“ She patted his shoulder, „Come on, Merrick. Let’s talk.“